Mark 10:13-31

Jesus Welcomes Children

13 People brought their children to Jesus so that he could lay his hands on them to bless them. But the disciples told the people to stop bringing their children to him. 14 Jesus saw it and was upset. He said, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because God’s kingdom belongs to people who are like these little children. 15 The truth is, anyone who does not receive God’s kingdom like a little child will never enter it.” 16 Then Jesus held the children in his arms, laid his hands on them and blessed them.

A Rich Man

17 A man ran to Jesus, kneeled down before him and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to have eternal life?” 18 Jesus answered, “Why do you call me good? Only God is good. 19 You know God’s commands: ‘You must not kill, you must not commit adultery, you must not steal, you must not lie about people, you must not cheat, you must respect your father and mother ….’”

20 The man said, “Teacher, I have followed all these since I was a boy.” 21 Jesus looked at the man and loved him, and said, “There is still one thing you need to do. Go and sell everything you have and give the money to the poor. Then you will have riches in heaven. Then come and follow me.”

22 The man was sad when he heard this, because he was very rich. So he felt sad and went away. 23 Jesus said to his disciples, “How hard it is for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom!”

24 The disciples were amazed at what Jesus said. Jesus said, “How hard it is to enter God’s kingdom! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom!” 26 The disciples were even more amazed and said, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but all things are possible with God.”

28 Peter said to Jesus, “We left everything to follow you!” 29 Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, if you leave your home, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children or fields for me and the Gospel, 30 you will receive a hundred times more in this world. You will meet people who are against you, and later have eternal life. 31 But people who are first will be last, and people who are last will be first.”

 

 

What we learn from these 2 stories:

1. How does a small child receive things? A small child receives freely with complete dependence and trust. He doesn’t worry. He doesn’t try to earn or exchange for what his needs.

2. Entering the Kingdom of God is not about following rules. It’s to give up everything we you rely on and worship God alone. We enter the Kingdom of God empty-handed because it is all by God’s grace.

3. “With man this is impossible, but all things are possible with God.”


Questions

If you’re following Jesus: Are you following Jesus with a child-like faith? Is there anything you still need to give up?

If you’re not yet following Jesus: If Jesus calls you to follow him today, will you? What would be stopping you?